Diamonds In The Rough Podcast

Season 3 Episode 13 That's a wrap! Season three of This is Me Podcast, hosted by Brandi Lea Nash and Amie Lou Siemens, has come to an end. In this episode, the hosts talk about this season in review including how the show was impacted by COVID-19, season three guests, updates on past guests, and a fun Q&A session.

Season 3, Episode 12 Join hosts, Brandi and Amie, on this fun episode of This is Me Podcast as they talk about all things Wyoming. From its history and culture to its myths and misconceptions; this episode explores a variety of topics centered around the state.

Season 3, Episode 11 Derede Darden is a wife, mother, educator and is always learning new things. She was left by her parents at an early age and navigated her way through life by overcoming many obstacles. Derede is a mother of two and has been married for 32 years. She is starting her 29th year in the field of education. Derede says that her story is God's story and is one that inspires others to conquer the hurdles of life by clinging onto their faith.

Season 3, Episode 10 Trista Ostrom is a Wyoming native and graduate of the University of Wyoming where she received her Bachelor's in Education and Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Trista is passionate about volunteering, civic responsibility, and making Wyoming the absolute best place to live. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff for First Lady Jennie Gordon, she was the Executive Director of the Wyoming Congressional Award Council and has logged thousands of volunteer hours of her own throughout Wyoming. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Wyoming State 4-H Foundation, is a member of the Cheyenne Frontier Days Art Show Committee, and is passionate about the Wyoming Hunger Initiative. Raised by a single dad, Trista is an avid outdoorswoman, frequent domestic and international traveler, and dedicated mentor to many Wyoming teens.

Season 3, episode 9 Meet the founders of WY Lit, Heather Fleming and Kari Roden, who are passionate about helping kids with dyslexia. Heather says, “What we advocate for at WY Lit are practices that are really best to solidify foundational reading skills for all children but particularly important for children who struggle with reading.” She went on to say, “The bulk of teachers are willing to learn more and we need those teachers to be brave enough to say, 'I didn't learn this, and I would like to know more.' We need them to be vocal about that within their districts. We've had some fantastic administrators who have been very supportive of us. So, administrators can also be the voice of change." Heather and Kari were instrumental in the passing of Wyoming House Bill 297 related to K-3 reading screening and intervention. They have been contracted by the Wyoming Department of Education on several literacy projects and are excited to continue partnering with literacy stakeholders in Wyoming. For more on WY Lit https://www.wylit.org/ Kari Roden says, Empowering parents is the biggest thing, with this knowledge. What to say and what to ask for and to really demand because that's what it has come down to. You need to demand what these kids need. - Kari Roden

Season 3, Episode 8 Stacey Obrecht is a wife, mother of four, and CEO at Public Knowledge, LLC. She is also a licensed attorney, certified Child Welfare Law Specialist, and certified Project Management Professional. She currently serves as a national expert on child welfare and juvenile courts and has led key planning and procurement projects for the firm. Stacey's son, Evan, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) at the age of five in November 2015. Stacey is passionate about reaching parents of newly diagnosed children, finding ways to support anyone connected to T1D, and giving back to the wonderful organizations and people that help move research forward and care for those with T1D each and every day. https://staceyhighsandlows.blogspot.com

Season 3, Episode 7 Dr. Heather Smith is a wife, mother, chiropractor, speaker, entrepreneur, and wellness expert. Dr. Heather Smith and her husband Dr. Marley Smith started Livin' Well Family Chiropractic in October 2012 in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Their mission is to educate, empower, and adjust as many families as possible on their journeys toward health and true wellness. Livin’ Well Family Chiropractic received the Small Business of the Year Award and the Business Beautification Award in 2019. The Smiths have two daughters, Nora and Quinn. Dr. Heather Smith recounts the public challenges she faced during what should have been a joyous time of opening Livin’ Well Family Chiropractic in its current location.

Season 3, Episode 6 Mary Billiter is an award-winning author, state arts education specialist, and college writing instructor. She also has novels published under the pen names, “M.Billiter,” and “Pumpkin Spice.” In October 2019, Mary’s Resort Romance, “The Wine Thief,” was a 2019 RONE Mystery Award Runner Up by InD’tale Magazine. In July 2018, Mary was awarded “Top Female Author 2018” by The Authors Show for “Spirited Away.” This June, the second book in her divided series, “The Divided Twin,” that she co-wrote with her son will hit bookshelves. Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University at Northridge and a Master of Arts degree in Adult and Post-Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming. Mary resides in the Cowboy State with her husband and their blended family. Listen to Mary bravely share her story of surviving childhood trauma, addiction, domestic violence, and breast cancer. Read more about Mary and her work at www.mbilliter.com

Season 3, Episode 6 (explicit) (This episode contains adult language) Mary Billiter is an award-winning author, state arts education specialist, and college writing instructor. She also has novels published under the pen names, “M.Billiter,” and “Pumpkin Spice.” In October 2019, Mary’s Resort Romance, “The Wine Thief,” was a 2019 RONE Mystery Award Runner Up by InD’tale Magazine. In July 2018, Mary was awarded “Top Female Author 2018” by The Authors Show for “Spirited Away.” This June, the second book in her divided series, “The Divided Twin,” that she co-wrote with her son will hit bookshelves. Mary earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University at Northridge and a Master of Arts degree in Adult and Post-Secondary Education from the University of Wyoming. Mary resides in the Cowboy State with her husband and their blended family. Listen to Mary bravely share her story of surviving childhood trauma, addiction, domestic violence, and breast cancer. Read more about Mary and her work at www.mbilliter.com

Season 3, Episode 5 Hosts Amie Lou Siemens and Brandi Lea Nash have a real talk conversation all about grief. The ladies discuss things you should never say to someone grieving and what to say instead. In this episode with just the hosts, Amie and Brandi share their personal experiences and listener comments with an emphasis on many forms of grief whether it be a death, divorce, or losing a job. Additionally, the ladies discuss how everyone processes grief differently. This episode was recorded prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Season 3, Episode 4 Helene is the first woman (and the second person) to run across every state in America, and the first person in recorded history to run solo! On May 1, 2010, Helene, a survivor of three brain abscesses, three brain surgeries, and reoccurring lymphoma, embarked on a quest to run across every state in America to inspire the nation to “Rethink Impossible.” Along the way, she found that there is more right with humanity than she ever imagined. Her run took her nine years and 13,850 miles. Helene ran through treacherous terrain, horrific weather, and despite cancer, broken bones, an attempted assault and abduction, the death of a sibling and a parent, she continued. Helene ran to inspire others to realize their dreams and along the way found a deeper love for her country and its people. NOTE: This episode was recorded prior to the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Season 3, Episode 3 Jennie (Muir) Gordon currently serves as First Lady of Wyoming. In October 2019 Jennie launched the Wyoming Hunger Initiative, whose mission is to end childhood hunger in Wyoming. The initiative works to prevent food insecurity by increasing awareness and support for the work of local anti-hunger organizations statewide. For additional information, visit https://www.nohungerwyo.org/ Find out more about The First Lady and her passion for the Wyoming Hunger Initiative on this episode of This is Me Podcast. This episode was recorded prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Please visit the www.nohungerwyo.org site for information on the Covid-19 response by county.

Season 3, Episode 2. On this episode, hosts Brandi and Amie, discuss life during quarantine and the COVID-19 pandemic. The ladies touch on a many subjects including the ways in which people are processing, the role of social media and community. As the world is navigating through the unknown; join the ladies for an hour of real talk.

Season 3 Episode 1: This is Me Podcast is heading into its third season! On this introductory episode, catch up with hosts Amie Lou Siemens and Brandi Lea Nash as they talk about what is to come in the new season. The ladies will share listener feedback and what they have been up to since season two ended. Find out how Brandi won tickets to an iconic television show and hear all about Amie’s newest family member. This season will include more episodes featuring just the hosts. Additionally, you will hear guests who have over-come extraordinary circumstances share their stories.

Season 2, Episode 16: Season Two in Review On this special bonus episode, the This is Me Podcast team talks all about season two. Hear what the hosts, Brandi Lea Nash and Amie Lou Siemens have to say along with the show's engineer, Jeremy Nash. The ladies discuss Frequently Asked Questions they receive, best and worst moments and what is to come for season three.

"Won't You Walk the Pink Mile With Me?" Copyright 2007 Deb Carpenter-Nolting and Tim Nolting

Season 2, Episode 15. Deb Carpenter-Nolting expresses herself in a number of ways as an author, poet, storyteller, songwriter, performance artist, and teacher. Deb has performed at a variety of venues, including libraries, museums, festivals, schools, poetry gatherings, brandings, cancer walks, conferences, banquets, and private events. She also conducts workshops for all ages. Deb has taught all grades, from one-room to high schools to a tribal college and a state college. She is currently a faculty member at Western Nebraska Community College. Deb is, most importantly, a grandmother, a mother, a daughter, a wife, and a breast cancer survivor.

Season 2, Episode 14. Molly is a Cheyenne native who graduated from LCCC. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in organizational leadership from CSU-Global. Molly and her husband enjoy spending time with family, friends, and most importantly their dog Luna. They both say Wyoming will always be their home. As a Healthcare Engagement Manager for the National MS Society, Molly works to empower people affected by Multiple Sclerosis across Wyoming and Colorado working directly with Healthcare Providers. She is extremely passionate about the work she does because she personally lives with MS and believes she is making a difference by connecting with others, while sharing a bit of humor and humility along the way. This episode is sponsored by Chella Bella Salon in Cheyenne, WY.

Season 2, Episode 13. Dale Wilsher is a professional life coach who helps high performance women who feel pressured to be everything-to-everyone be fully present with their people without sacrificing their authentic purpose. She’s a Certified Behavioral Consultant and trains teams and businesses on DISC personality types to create a culture of kindness and respect in the workplace. She is the author of the award winning book, What’s your MOM Type? Discovering God’s Design for You. Dale lives in the suburbs of Boulder, Colorado. She has four empowered daughters (ages 16, 19, 21, and 23), likes to walk and do hot yoga, and just got married to the love of her life. https://yourauthenticpersonality.com/

Season 2, Episode 12. Danny-J is an entrepreneur and professional speaker. She is a sought-after branding, money, mindset coach, and has been featured on HuffPost Live. She was a suicidal, pregnant teen who became an acrobat after college. During her acrobat career, she found herself paralyzed and was told that she would never walk again. Not only did she beat those odds, she even went on to become a fitness competitor and cover model. With her online fitness brand, she won Ali Brown’s 2012 Entrepreneur of The Year Award. Through her #FindTheMoneyProject program and her work with private coaching clients, she teaches that challenges can be the ultimate catalyst for healing and creating personal definitions of freedom and abundance. Danny-J hosts The Best Life Podcast. She has been to 36 countries, traveled for a year in a motorhome, and currently lives out of a suitcase living her best life.

Season 2, Episode 11. Tatum was raised in Texas and after marrying her best friend, Jeff, she has made Cheyenne her home. The Berry’s raise cattle and they have two little girls. Tatum loves horses, rodeo, fashion and spending time with her friends and family. Tatum bravely shares her story about her past, how God has transformed her life through love and grace and how she plans to help homeless women and youth in our community. For more on Tatum visit https://tatumstruth.com/

Season 2, Episode 10. We all need a strong support system and who better to talk about this than our best friends. On this special bonus episode, your hosts Brandi and Amie introduce you to their best friends, Erin Fagan and Christy Wyler. This fun hour is all about friendship and the four ladies even play a game to determine who knows their best friend best!

Season 2, Episode 9. Lexie Garrett is the designer and founder of Alexis Drake, LLC. Lexie and her staff create leather handbags, jewelry and so much more! Lexie was always making things from a young age and says that she looked at the world a bit different from her peers. Lexie loves all things related to art. In 2003, the concept of creating a fashion forward company began taking shape. Listen to Lexie’s story as she talks about her journey, passions and her business. For more on Alexis Drake visit https://alexisdrake.com

Season 2, Episode 8. Trudy King is a Jesus lover, wife, mom, grandma, pastor’s wife and worship leader. The Kings have five children, seven bonus kids and four grandkids. Listen to Trudy’s journey as she recounts her son Jacob’s miraculous story and a season of her life that impacted her role as a pastor’s wife.

Season 2, Episode 7. Janell Mellish is a veteran of the United States Air Force. She currently runs a women’s boxing gym (Arena Training Institute in Cheyenne) and enjoys empowering and believing “her ladies” are all capable of believing in themselves to conquer their dreams. Listen to Janell’s story as she describes living through an unimaginable tragedy, her wisdom on healing and living her life to the fullest. Her book, Dearly Loved Exile, is available on Amazon.com

Season 2, episode 6. Pennie Hunt is an inspirational, entertaining, cutting edge and high content speaker. Her weekly blog, “Writings From The Corner of Spirit & Brave” is read by thousands of people worldwide. She is the author of the book, “Love Your Life-No Matter What- 76 Tips to Live Life with Love and Gratitude.” After a series of life changing events, including the death of her child, Pennie now writes and speaks about how to change, heal and empower your life! www.PennieHunt.com

Season 2, episode 4. Makayla Allison is the CEO/Founder of Some 1 Like You, an organization that privately connects individuals with health conditions, inspired by her own 8-year-old daughter who has the rare genetic disease Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Hypermobility Type. Join us as Makayla shares her story and her passion to help people with rare diseases. For more info, visit https://some1likeyou.com

Season 2, Episode 5. Shawnae Jebbia is the official spokesperson for Some 1 Like You L3C (S1LY,) ambassador for Colorado Rare, brand ambassador for Signia Hearing Instruments, and former Miss USA 1998. Over the past 10 years, Shawnae has been traveling the world as an advocate of early detection of hearing loss, and the rare disease that gave her the symptoms she is living with. Shawnae shares her story of living with an invisible disease and how that affects her life. For more info, visit https://some1likeyou.com

On Season 2, Episode 3 our guest is Shauna Bruce-Hamburger. Shauna is a motivational speaker, life coach, author and owner of her speaking and coaching company, “Divine Potential.” Born with Spina Bifida (the most common permanently disabling birth defect,) Shauna has always believed in living life to the fullest with a positive attitude. Join us to hear Shauna’s story, her message of not becoming a victim of her circumstances and learn more about stress management. To find our more about Shauna, visit her website http://www.divinepotential.com

Season 2, episode 2 features guest, Melissa Martin. Join us as we hear Melissa speak about growing up in a military family, the major role Girl Scouts has had throughout her lifetime and the childhood tragedy that changed her life forever. Melissa is the owner of MMartinCommunication. For more information visit our website at www.thisismepodcast.com

The first episode for season 2, features guest, Amy Surdam. Join us as we hear Amy speak about living a healthy lifestyle, her near-death experience, her run for mayor and so much more! For more information visit our website at www.thisismepodcast.com

Get to know the hosts of This Is Me Podcast, Brandi Lea Nash and Amie Lou Siemens. In the first season, the show was called, "Diamonds in the Rough Podcast," hosted by Brandi Lea Nash and Samantha Kanish. After re-branding and establishing a new co-host, Amie and Brandi recorded the initial episode as they embark on Season 2. This show is all about life in the Rocky Mountain region and features a story by a phenomenal woman on each episode. Enjoy this fun get-to-know-your-hosts episode!

Enjoy this bonus segment with commentary by Brandi and Samantha on all things Season 1, the future of the show and an important announcement.

In Season 1, Episode 10, join us for Amie's incredible story. Years of negative self-talk and numbing her pain with food led to her feeling unworthy of love and success. Much like the lyrics from the song, "This Is Me," Amie's story will leave you feeling loved and inspired.

In Season 1, Episode 10, join us for Amie's incredible story. Years of negative self-talk and numbing her pain with food led to her feeling unworthy of love and success. Much like the lyrics from the song, "This Is Me," Amie's story will leave you feeling loved and inspired.

Season 1, episode 9 BONUS feature. This is the "after-show" follow-up from the interview with Carmen Anderson. In this segment, David Stephens, sits down with Brandi for a special interview.

Season 1, Episode 9. Join guest Carmen Anderson along with co-host Brandi Nash as they describe their journey on discovering Carmen's biological father who is also Brandi's biological grandfather. A mystery 60 years in the making is solved. A new beginning of love and family awaits!

In Season 1, Episode 9, join us for an inspirational story about a woman who was looking for her biological father, and another who was looking for her biological grandfather. These two joined forces to solve a 60-year-long mystery.

Season 1, Episode 8. Michelle and her husband struggled to conceive for a long time. The McCormack's lives changed with one phone call. Her amazing faith-filled story of how she became a mother and how her job as a teacher led to their miracle baby will leave you filled with hope and joy.

In Season 1, Episode 8 guest Michelle McCormack tells about how she became a mother and how her job as a teacher led to their miracle baby.

In Season 1, Episode 7 guest Erin Feltes shares her story about being a teen mom, overcoming obstacles and accomplishing her dreams. Join us for faith, fashion and Erin's story. Erin is a Colorado native, actress, advocate, student and volunteer. Hear her inspiring story on how she is making her dreams come true!

In Season 1, Episode 7 guest Erin Feltes shares her story about being a teen mom, overcoming obstacles and accomplishing her dreams.

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In Season 1, Episode 6 guest Rachael Anderson shares her story about being in an abusive relationship in high school, the car crash that changed her life and the miracle of how her and her husband were able to grow their family. Don't miss her story of survival and blessings beyond measure.

In Season 1, Episode 6 guest Rachael Anderson shares her story about being in an abusive relationship in high school, the car crash that changed her life and the miracle of how her and her husband were able to grow their family.

Season 1, Episode 5. On our 5th episode in season 1, our guest is Diana Wedl. Diana and her husband Todd have been married for 28 years and they have three adult sons. Hear how each of her sons came to her with news that would remold their family into what it is today. You do not want to miss her dynamic message of faith and love.

On our 5th episode in season 1, our guest is Diana Wedl. Diana and her husband Todd have been married for 28 years and they have three adult sons. Hear how each of her sons came to her with news that would remold their family into what it is today. You do not want to miss her dynamic message of faith and love.

Season 1, Episode 4. Hosts Brandi and Samantha talk fashion, faith, and Priscilla Pruitt's story. Priscilla is a former Mrs. International, a spokesperson for Safe Haven Baby Boxes and a published children's book author. We cover these topics and sooooo much more!

Season 1, Episode 3. Hosts Brandi and Samantha talk fashion, faith, and Alli McGee's story. In episode 2 we heard from Jessica, Alli's mom. This is Alli's side on how she survived physical and sexual abuse. Alli wants others to know that they are not alone.

On our 3rd episode in season 1, our guest is Alli McGee. Alli is the daughter of Jessica Martin (our guest in episode 2, season 1.) Alli will be telling her story of surviving physical and sexual abuse by her stepfather from the ages of 13 to 18. If you have a question for Alli you would like us to ask email us at diamondsintheroughpodcast@gmail.com

Season 1, Episode 2. Hosts Brandi and Samantha talk fashion, faith, and Jessica Martin's heart-wrenching story of abuse, a years old secret being revealed and conviction of her ex-husband.